Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I love the cybercommander but have a few complaints which could be addressed in a re-engineered or new unit.

Consider creating a new simplified interface for (5 lights or less) which uses switches for setting the current light and does not require LCD screen. This would probably allow it to work with a small c2032 type battery too. This would also make it simpler for selecting lights and would allow the photographer to change lights and power without looking. (Similar to the elinchrom skyport).

A lot of non technical photographers (my wife) struggle with the UI of the current product but she was able to understand and use the elinchrom skyport.

Another alternative probably beyond the current technology would be to design something that utilizes wifi and is therefore able to be controlled via mobile devices.

Regarding Alien Bees, how about a MK II which takes the cyber receiver instead of the CSR dongle?

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I like the simplicity of the PocketWizard AC3 Zone Controller.




It only controls 3 separate zones, and I use the PocketWizard system when shooting outdoors or on location (where I'm making adjustments more often), but use the Paul C Buff Cyber Sync system (basic trigger, not Cyber Commander) in the studio (where I'm making adjustments less often).

It's simple, doesn't create any additional battery drain, I can see the dials just fine in the bright sunlight, I can feel the detent clicks if I'm increasing/decreasing power in complete darkness.

Thanks Jared. I assume you have to have PW receivers as well? (dumb question, i know...) Sounds like a good solution for outdoors.

Thanks for your feedback. Some of these ideas may be feasible, some maybe not.

Yes, you would need certain PW remotes. There are some overlapping features like power control, but you are limited to 3 groups, and limited to a 5 stop range of power adjustment (5 stop range, with 6 full stop settings).

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It is only a 5-stop range, but with the new firmware, you can determine where the 5-stop range will be. When shooting outdoors at high shutter speeds, you want to be at/near full power, but other times you'll want to be at/near minimum power. Both results can be reached, but not without walking up to the Einstein and moving the 5-stop range up or down.

I posted an example of shooting an Einstein with PocketWizard system at 1/1000 second on the Alien Bees Community on Google+

https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/110547801123436514530


Jared